Short Summary

While much of Europe shivers its way through winter, the French Riviera resort of Nice is enjoying its annual carnival.

Description

While much of Europe shivers its way through winter, the French Riviera resort of Nice is enjoying its annual carnival. The city is a blaze of colour, and the order of the day-music and dancing, as thousands flock to join in the festivities.

SYNOPSIS: The Nice Carnival is in its 95th year.

This year the theme is "King of Kings", and as always giant masked figures feature prominently in the parade.

The carnival lasts for two weeks, and the celebrations are though to have originated from ancient pagan festivals.

And of course also following tradition beautiful girls were well represented.

And the crowd obviously enjoyed every minute of the festivities.

Twenty floats took part in the main procession, each depicting some kind of King.

Even King Kong joined in the fun and games.

Pre-Lenten festivals and carnivals are celebrated in Roman Catholic countries throughout the world, and Nice ranks with Rio de Janeiro as the most famous and elaborate of all.

This is how the people of Nice prepare for their Lenten fasting. This year they have been joined by musicians from West Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

The snows of winter certainly seem a long way away as Nice celebrates.